Considered one of the longest-serving coaches in the Serie A having spent over six seasons with Atalanta since joining them from Genoa, coach Gian Piero Gasperini is excited about the decision by the scouting team to sign Super Eagles striker Ademola Lookman from Leicester this season.
The 64-year-old singled out the Nigerian after their 3-3 draw against Juventus at the weekend, adding Lookman addition has given him a lot of options up front for Atalanta.
Gasperini who has turned Atalanta from a club with the goal of avoiding Serie B relegation into a team fighting for Serie A dominance and constantly participating in European competitions however, praised Atalanta Director, Lee Congerton for signing Lookman from Leicester City last summer.
The 25-year-old joined La Dea for €9m in August and has proved to be worth every penny, having scored 13 goals in 19 appearances, including a brace and an assist against Juventus at the weekend.
Gasperini praised Congerton for signing the Nigeria international and Rasmus Højlund for another brilliant summer deal for La Dea.
“This new director, the responsible for scouting, Lee Congerton spotted these players, he knew him [Lookman] because they were together at Leicester City,” said Gasperini.
“He was quick for Højlund, the club made an important investment in this lad. The club bought these two players who have been helping me work well.”
For Lookman’s display against Juventus, Gasperini said: ““Lookman had an extraordinary performance. We conceded two goals in the first half by losing the ball pretty cheaply, and those are situations where we should’ve been more careful.” Gasperini said.
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has netted 11 goals from 18 appearances this season.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
